1.       Excellence In Handwriting

In this course, I do three demonstration lessons in each class. Then I observe each teacher carry out a short handwriting lesson, with their own class, after which I give immediate feedback. I write a report on the whole project and make recommendations based on issues which have arisen during the project.

A high level of improvement, which is noticeable to the individual child, can be achieved more quickly in handwriting than in any other curriculum area. This impacts on children’s self-esteem and motivation.

2.       Creativity And Excitement In Literacy

      This course can take the form of staff inset or consist of lessons which I do in school with various classes, observed by teachers and support staff. It includes cross- curricular links, whole class text sharing and text analysis, guided reading and guided writing. In the course I demonstrate effective strategies that will raise standards in children’s writing, provide good starting points and stimuli for writing, and there is an emphasis on developing oracy skills.

3.       A Quality Learning Environment

This course deals with good classroom organization, purposes of display, setting up quality displays, establishing a ‘literacy friendly’ classroom, and the way that a warm, welcoming learning environment effects children’s attitudes to learning, their behaviour and their academic performance. The learning environment we create in our classrooms plays a vital part in children’s educational progress, their attitude to learning and their personal development. Schools with untidy, uncared for classrooms, also have poor pupil behaviour, negative attitudes to learning and low levels of attainment. Where classroom organisation is good, where classrooms are attractive and stimulating, and children’s work is celebrated with thoughtful displays, it is highly likely that levels of attainment will be high.

4.       Achieving Excellence In Painting And Drawing

       This course can take the form of staff inset or consist of lessons which I do in school with various classes, observed by teachers and support staff. It focuses on teaching skills in pencil and pen drawing, and water colour and powder paint. Effective strategies are demonstrated that will help all teachers to become excellent teachers of art. By teaching skills and giving clear guidance to children on the use of tools and materials, the non-artist teacher can open up success in art to all children.